2003 yz250

cc304
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North Lima, OH US
9/5/2017 10:08pm Edited Date/Time 9/9/2017 12:18pm
So I'm looking for a practice bike and stumbled upon a 2003 yz250... I'm gunna pick it up regardless but are these good bikes? I've read all good about the 03 but the 98 I was looking at before (and am no longer) had tranny problems. So basically just seeing overall opinions on the 03 steel framed yz250.
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9/5/2017 10:48pm Edited Date/Time 9/5/2017 10:56pm
One of the best bikes, ever.

Same basic motor as current YZ. The rest of the package is great, too. Suspension is a little outdated, but current-spec YZ stuff bolts right up. Lots of other current YZ parts can be made to work, as well.

Easier to ride than other smokers of the same era, but still a ton of fun,.
TbonesPop
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9/5/2017 10:48pm
I had an 03 YZ250 (see my avatar). Loved the bike. I think from 2002 forward, the YZ engines didn't change much. The 2003 was a very solid bike. I don't have the bike anymore, but I have very fond memories of when I did. I had no mechanical issues at all with the bike - rock solid.
cc304
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9/5/2017 10:57pm
TbonesPop wrote:
I had an 03 YZ250 (see my avatar). Loved the bike. I think from 2002 forward, the YZ engines didn't change much. The 2003 was a...
I had an 03 YZ250 (see my avatar). Loved the bike. I think from 2002 forward, the YZ engines didn't change much. The 2003 was a very solid bike. I don't have the bike anymore, but I have very fond memories of when I did. I had no mechanical issues at all with the bike - rock solid.
Sounds good thanks for the reply! Like I said I planned on picking her up for a practice bike and this just backs me up!
cc304
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9/5/2017 10:57pm
One of the best bikes, ever. Same basic motor as current YZ. The rest of the package is great, too. Suspension is a little outdated, but...
One of the best bikes, ever.

Same basic motor as current YZ. The rest of the package is great, too. Suspension is a little outdated, but current-spec YZ stuff bolts right up. Lots of other current YZ parts can be made to work, as well.

Easier to ride than other smokers of the same era, but still a ton of fun,.
Can't you do full restyle plastics as well? And thanks for the reply!

The Shop

ledger
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9/5/2017 11:00pm
Great bike that seems to be in high demand, due to the steal frame (02-04). So many option's that will make your head spin, but it's all good. Part's will be available long after we're gone.
9/5/2017 11:03pm Edited Date/Time 9/5/2017 11:07pm
cc304 wrote:
Can't you do full restyle plastics as well? And thanks for the reply!
UFO and Polisport make a new-style kit. Maybe others, too.
ledger
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9/5/2017 11:04pm Edited Date/Time 9/5/2017 11:09pm
cc304 wrote:
Can't you do full restyle plastics as well? And thanks for the reply!
Yep, three or four restyles, 1 from UFO, 2 from OEM, 1 from Race Tech and 1 from VD Larr, and pick about any color, like yellow....see avatar.
cc304
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9/5/2017 11:06pm
ledger wrote:
Great bike that seems to be in high demand, due to the steal frame (02-04). So many option's that will make your head spin, but it's...
Great bike that seems to be in high demand, due to the steal frame (02-04). So many option's that will make your head spin, but it's all good. Part's will be available long after we're gone.
Yeah I've always rode Ktms so I'm not dishing out crazy money for a practice bike this one looks decent and has the steel frame (which I'd prefer)
cc304
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9/5/2017 11:07pm
Bikes got an fmf and supposedly 15-20 hours on the rebuild other than that needs clutch cable.
9/5/2017 11:09pm Edited Date/Time 9/5/2017 11:09pm
cc304 wrote:
Bikes got an fmf and supposedly 15-20 hours on the rebuild other than that needs clutch cable.
There's more than that to deal with. It's 15 years old.

But it was and is a fantastic motorcycle.
ledger
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9/5/2017 11:15pm
Dirty Points is right, it's fifteen y/o. I pull the top clamp off and check steering stem bearings on every used bike I've purchased, only one passed the test.
cc304
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9/5/2017 11:20pm
cc304 wrote:
Bikes got an fmf and supposedly 15-20 hours on the rebuild other than that needs clutch cable.
There's more than that to deal with. It's 15 years old.

But it was and is a fantastic motorcycle.
I'm aware lol
cc304
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9/5/2017 11:21pm
ledger wrote:
Dirty Points is right, it's fifteen y/o. I pull the top clamp off and check steering stem bearings on every used bike I've purchased, only one...
Dirty Points is right, it's fifteen y/o. I pull the top clamp off and check steering stem bearings on every used bike I've purchased, only one passed the test.
Yea I plan on it I got my xc bike (ktmxcf250) and is pristine and everything greased n tight.
rongi#401
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9/5/2017 11:36pm
I have an 04 with sss conversion. Solid bike. Zero flaws
ledger
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9/5/2017 11:47pm
rongi#401 wrote:
I have an 04 with sss conversion. Solid bike. Zero flaws
Honestly, it just doesn't get any better than that, great combo.
H4L
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9/6/2017 7:40am Edited Date/Time 9/6/2017 7:41am
Owned 02 & 04 steelie YZ250's. They didn't stand out in any particular area engine, suspension, chassis etc., but were solid all around bikes.
cc304
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9/6/2017 8:00am
H4L wrote:
Owned 02 & 04 steelie YZ250's. They didn't stand out in any particular area engine, suspension, chassis etc., but were solid all around bikes.
Thanks for the input. I'm going Saturday to Look at it n if I pick it up I'll post here. Supposedly runs good, only aftermarkets are vforce reeds n full fmf and somewhat new rebuild. I've always wanted to slowly restore one tho.
9/6/2017 6:44pm
If you're looking for a restyle kit, the Polisport one is $130 on eBay, free shipping.
dedi684
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9/6/2017 7:01pm
I've got some parts for those years. Plastics seat cover triple clamps. Email me if you get it and need anything I don't really want much if anything for it.
HardTaco
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9/6/2017 9:03pm
Yes jesus buy it now. Ive got an 02 with sss forks and shock, new style brakes, current yz swingarm and 250x cdi, head and pv spring.....it.handles better than my 2016 250x.

Phillip_Lamb
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9/6/2017 11:38pm
cc304 wrote:
So I'm looking for a practice bike and stumbled upon a 2003 yz250... I'm gunna pick it up regardless but are these good bikes? I've read...
So I'm looking for a practice bike and stumbled upon a 2003 yz250... I'm gunna pick it up regardless but are these good bikes? I've read all good about the 03 but the 98 I was looking at before (and am no longer) had tranny problems. So basically just seeing overall opinions on the 03 steel framed yz250.
ill put it straight. My dad had a 2017 yz250 and i had an 03.

forks were the only difference.

engines were pretty much the same.

i ran the stock forks and got them revalved. It took a bit if fleshing out, but i got them working good enough.
DrSweden
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9/7/2017 6:23am Edited Date/Time 9/7/2017 6:38am
2003-2004 is probably the best YZ250 ever build. The 2002 frame is about 1 lbs (?) heavier, and more rigid, they altered them for 2003. The 2002-2004 rear shock is really good (in my opinion) I even think DV run a 01 stock rear kyb shock on one of his factory bikes. I have tried it back to back with Öhlins TTX, KYB 2006-2009 shock. I might even prefer the oem. The KYB 46 fork from 2002-2003 are VERY plush initial stroke, beats any SSS I have tried, but for me the old KYBs lack bottom and mid resistance, you go fast through the stroke, and you feel it in the hands, and I don't know what happens if you beef them up? SSS has some magic going.

I have an 2006 YZ250 (with TTX rear and 2009 SSS front suspension and 2002 mill), but I will put an 2003 frame on it the winter. See how it feels compared to the aluminium one.

DV, Reed had tons of rigidity issues with the 2005 YZ250 when it came with the new aluminum frame, but that frame got altered for the 2006 version, Reed said he lost 1 sec per lap with that. He was very disappointed. I tried to ask DV on Twitter of this matter, as does it matters for slow riders as well (but no answer). Do we notice more flex, is it worth the extra 6 lbs (steel frame is heavier)?

I love the yz250. Very predicable bike, doesn't do any crazy, while don't stand out either, but so many parts, solid motor. Basically the same mill from 1999-2018, different porting and ECU, and ECU contact don't fit 99-01 on newer bikes, the contact is different, 99-01 had a smaller diameter for the swingarm axle, smaller diameter of the flywheel axle sticking out from the mill, and thicker kick axle (some retro fit when going big bore, because 2002-2018 axle is a bit fragile) and the 2002 had a one year nock off flywheel with an added flywheel weight to smooth out hit. So you can put any flywheel weight from 99-02 between each other, while the 03-2018 needs a different one. If you need a new crank, you can put in anyone from these year into any bike, but think about the flywheel.

2003 mill can interchange all parts with 2003-2018 (not that neutral electric crap of course) to my understanding.

More info than you asked for, but after working and owning with plenty of them... I need to spill it.

If you get passed, its not the bike! Cool

H4L
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9/7/2017 8:52am
DrSweden wrote:
2003-2004 is probably the best YZ250 ever build. The 2002 frame is about 1 lbs (?) heavier, and more rigid, they altered them for 2003. The...
2003-2004 is probably the best YZ250 ever build. The 2002 frame is about 1 lbs (?) heavier, and more rigid, they altered them for 2003. The 2002-2004 rear shock is really good (in my opinion) I even think DV run a 01 stock rear kyb shock on one of his factory bikes. I have tried it back to back with Öhlins TTX, KYB 2006-2009 shock. I might even prefer the oem. The KYB 46 fork from 2002-2003 are VERY plush initial stroke, beats any SSS I have tried, but for me the old KYBs lack bottom and mid resistance, you go fast through the stroke, and you feel it in the hands, and I don't know what happens if you beef them up? SSS has some magic going.

I have an 2006 YZ250 (with TTX rear and 2009 SSS front suspension and 2002 mill), but I will put an 2003 frame on it the winter. See how it feels compared to the aluminium one.

DV, Reed had tons of rigidity issues with the 2005 YZ250 when it came with the new aluminum frame, but that frame got altered for the 2006 version, Reed said he lost 1 sec per lap with that. He was very disappointed. I tried to ask DV on Twitter of this matter, as does it matters for slow riders as well (but no answer). Do we notice more flex, is it worth the extra 6 lbs (steel frame is heavier)?

I love the yz250. Very predicable bike, doesn't do any crazy, while don't stand out either, but so many parts, solid motor. Basically the same mill from 1999-2018, different porting and ECU, and ECU contact don't fit 99-01 on newer bikes, the contact is different, 99-01 had a smaller diameter for the swingarm axle, smaller diameter of the flywheel axle sticking out from the mill, and thicker kick axle (some retro fit when going big bore, because 2002-2018 axle is a bit fragile) and the 2002 had a one year nock off flywheel with an added flywheel weight to smooth out hit. So you can put any flywheel weight from 99-02 between each other, while the 03-2018 needs a different one. If you need a new crank, you can put in anyone from these year into any bike, but think about the flywheel.

2003 mill can interchange all parts with 2003-2018 (not that neutral electric crap of course) to my understanding.

More info than you asked for, but after working and owning with plenty of them... I need to spill it.

If you get passed, its not the bike! Cool

Good info.. I've ridden 05-14 YZ250's & the engine felt the same to me with a good low-mid power with less on top in comparison to the CR & RM. The AF chassis does feel a bit rigid with not much flex vs. the steel frame. The 06 + upgraded KYB SSS forks are in improvement over the older KYB AOS versions. To me the 04 steelie model felt better over the AF models ridden.
The engine has pretty much remained the same since 99 - to present with slight oem porting & ign. timing changes through the years.
Bramlett321
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9/7/2017 10:29am
H4L wrote:
Good info.. I've ridden 05-14 YZ250's & the engine felt the same to me with a good low-mid power with less on top in comparison to...
Good info.. I've ridden 05-14 YZ250's & the engine felt the same to me with a good low-mid power with less on top in comparison to the CR & RM. The AF chassis does feel a bit rigid with not much flex vs. the steel frame. The 06 + upgraded KYB SSS forks are in improvement over the older KYB AOS versions. To me the 04 steelie model felt better over the AF models ridden.
The engine has pretty much remained the same since 99 - to present with slight oem porting & ign. timing changes through the years.
I'd like to get one of the older YZ's as a project but I currently race/ride a '16 300. Have any of you ridden both of these bikes I'd like to know how the bottom end of these two motors compare?
lumpy790
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9/7/2017 10:55am
Yamaha changed from the 2001 that I have to the 2002. Our YZ250 Hose Kit replaces every hose on the YZ250 2 stroke from 2002 to 2018
ledger
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9/7/2017 2:16pm
lumpy790 wrote:
Yamaha changed from the 2001 that I have to the 2002. Our YZ250 Hose Kit replaces every hose on the YZ250 2 stroke from 2002 to...
Yamaha changed from the 2001 that I have to the 2002. Our YZ250 Hose Kit replaces every hose on the YZ250 2 stroke from 2002 to 2018
I'll vouch for lumpy, I run his hose kit's on two of my bike's and they're high quality.
cc304
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North Lima, OH US
9/7/2017 2:34pm
Alright thanks everyone for the replies! That bike turned out to a piece of shit so I'm looking at another 2003 right now. The first one leaked everywhere and anywhere. This bike is close and looking at it Saturday, will post how it goes.
cc304
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9/8/2017 6:03pm
Bit out of my pricerange and I'm in Ohio lol.. well see how this goes tomorrow
cc304
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9/9/2017 6:32am
If you're looking for a restyle kit, the Polisport one is $130 on eBay, free shipping.
Link to this?

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